© 2009 Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy

1

Getting Started with TETRIX™

TETRIX™ Hardware Primer

Merging TECHNIC and TETRIX

INDEX1. Hard-Point Connectors2. Attaching the Hard-Point Connectors3. Attaching the NXT 4. Attaching the HiTechnic Controllers5. Attaching the NXT Sensors

1. Hard-Point ConnectorsThe hard-point connectors allow for TECHNIC components to be merged with the TETRIX building system.

The NXT, NXT motors, NXT sensors, HiTechnic controllers and custom TECHNIC assemblies can be connected using the hard-point connectors.

Single hard-point connectors are suitable for attaching non-structural assemblies such as NXT sensors and TECHNIC-based arms.

Multiple hard-point connectors can be used to help create sound structural elements with TECHNIC.

© 2009 Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy

2

Getting Started with TETRIX™

TETRIX™ Hardware Primer

TECHNIC beams can then be passed through the hard-point connectors, and secured with two long connector pegs, allowing additional TECHNIC and NXT components to be attached.

2. Attaching the Hard-point ConnectorsThe hard-point connectors can be attached to TETRIX structural elements with SHCS screws and kep nuts.

3. Attaching the NXTFirst attach at least two hard-point connectors with TECHNIC beams (secured by long connector pegs) where the NXT will be placed.

Then use TECHNIC angle beams and connector pegs to build side supports for the NXT brick. Note that your configuration may vary depending on the design of your robot.

© 2009 Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy

3

Getting Started with TETRIX™

TETRIX™ Hardware Primer

Note that it is also possible to connect the controllers directly to the TETRIX structural pieces using BHCS screws and kep nuts.

4. Attaching HiTechnic ControllersLike the NXT, the HiTechnic Motor and Servo controllers can be attached using the hard-point connectors with TECHNIC components.

5. Attaching NXT Sensors and MotorsThe NXT sensors can also be used with the TETRIX system. They attach to the structural elements the same way as the NXT and HiTechnic Controllers – using hard-point connectors, studless TECHNIC beams, and connector pegs.

The NXT smart motors can also be incorporated into the TETRIX building system.

Smart motors used to control a TECHNIC-based arm can be mounted similarly to the NXT Sensors.

© 2009 Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy

4

Getting Started with TETRIX™

TETRIX™ Hardware Primer

The NXT smart motors can also provide feedback about the TETRIX wheels when placed along the robot’s drivetrain.

Note that in this configuration, hard-point connectors are still used to mount the smart motors onto the TETRIX components.